How to Talk to a Camera

Co-authored by Patrick Muñoz

Last Updated: November 22, 2021 References

Many people talk to cameras for work, business, or to communicate with friends. Making videos is easy to do, but developing skills for talking to a camera can take practise. With a few tips, some thought about how to plan your video, and a little bit of practise you can improve your on-camera talking.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Practising With a Camera

1
Practise speaking in front of the camera. Just try to get used to speaking to the camera. Having a chance to do this a bunch of times will give you some basic experience and level of comfort.
- Don't worry too much about the small details at first, just get some time talking to the camera under your belt.
2
Record yourself. Record yourself practising so that you can play it back and see how you look and sound.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Patrick Muñoz
Voice & Speech Coach
Expert Interview. 12 November 2019.} Try to speak in your normal speaking voice.

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3
Pretend you are talking to a friend. Look into the camera lens and pretend it is your best friend. Try to forget about who might watch the video and think about your best friend watching.^{[2]
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- Thinking about talking to a friend can make your video warmer and more relaxed.
4
Put your practise videos online. Put a few practise videos on YouTube or another online video site. Tell the audience that they are videos of you practising speaking to a camera and ask for advice from viewers.^{[3]
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- Some critiques may be tough but focus on constructive comments.
- Over time you will get more comfortable with the process of speaking to the camera, posting videos, and getting feedback.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Crafting Your Speech

1
Plan your speech. Think about what you are going to say and make an outline of the main ideas. You don't need a complete script but it helps to have a plan to make sure you cover the main points.
- Planning the order of ideas will make your speech clearer and help with nerves.
2
Use plain language. Avoid words that most people don't know including long and unusual words and words that are specific to your area of work or expertise. ^{[4]
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- If the subject you are talking about has a lot of jargon or insider language, try to use everyday language instead.
- Avoid acronyms or nicknames.
- Instead of "website optimization," say "making your website work well."
3
Enunciate properly. Mumbling people can't be well understood, and the video-watcher might even stop watching your video.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Patrick Muñoz
Voice & Speech Coach
Expert Interview. 12 November 2019.} Pronounce the words clearly and correctly. If you're not sure how to say a word, either look it up or don't say it at all.
4
Speak slowly. Many people talk too fast when they become nervous. Make sure to talk slowly enough that your audience can follow your ideas.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Patrick Muñoz
Voice & Speech Coach
Expert Interview. 12 November 2019.}
5
Choose short, clear sentences. Short sentences are both easier to say and easier to understand. If it takes a long time for you to complete a sentence, your viewer may lose track of your point.^{[7]
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- Use each sentence to convey one brief idea.
- Longer sentences are hard to say because you may run out of breath. Shorter sentences will make your speech seem more natural.
- People watching videos may be doing other things, like eating lunch. Keep your ideas short and clear to hold attention.
6
Take a breath first. Before you begin talking take a few deep breaths.^{[8]
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Expert Source

Patrick Muñoz
Voice & Speech Coach
Expert Interview. 12 November 2019.} This will calm your nerves and help you breathe more naturally as you speak.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Looking Great While Talking

1
Make eye contact. Look into the camera lens so that you will make eye contact with your audience. This will help you connect with your viewers.^{[9]
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- Feel free to look away from the camera to direct attention and make your video feel natural.
- Look at other people in the video, if there are any, to direct attention to them when they are speaking.
- Look at objects you are discussing. If you are holding or showing off a product, look at the object while speaking about it.
2
Choose a background. Make sure you are standing in front of a background that looks good. Pick a background that is clean and not distracting.
- The background should be static. If things behind you are moving around it will be distracting.
- The background can convey a setting. A bookshelf behind you will be more interesting and important looking than a blank wall without being too distracting.
3
Dress appropriately. Wear clothes that match with the subject you are talking about and the purpose of your video.^{[10]
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- If your video is business related, wear the clothes you would wear when doing business.
- For a friendly video about making new friends, wear the clothes you would wear when hanging out with friends.
- Avoid any clothes that are distracting such as clashing colors or complicated patterns.
4
Use body language. How you hold your body and arms can make a big difference.^{[11]
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- Stand up straight and hold your shoulders back to look reliable and confident.
- Stay balanced. Don't shift your weight from side to side or fidget.
- Gesture with your hands to direct the viewer's attention, or to convey emotion and emphasis.
- Keep your hands visible. Putting your hands in your pockets or behind your back might make you look nervous or untrustworthy.